Families of US consulate staff asked to leave Turkey

US state department orders family members of consulate staff in Istanbul to leave country, citing security threats.

30 Oct 2016 06:30 GMT

At least 47 people were killed and more than 140 others were wounded in attacks at Istanbul's Ataturk airport [EPA]

Family members of US consulate staff in Istanbul have been asked to leave the country, the US state department said, citing threats against US citizens.

"The Department of State made this decision based on security information indicating extremist groups are continuing aggressive efforts to attack US citizens in areas of Istanbul where they reside or frequent," the department said in a statement on Sunday.

The US Consulate General in Istanbul will stay open, the state department said, adding that the order does not apply to any other US diplomatic posts in Turkey.

Some of the violence in neighbouring Syria has spilled over to Turkey, which has seen a rise in attacks this year. The security situation has further deteriorated in the wake of a a failed coup attempt in July.